John 19:10-11a
Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above.
I’d like to tarry for just a moment longer on Jesus’ reply to Pilate. In response to Pilate’s implied threat that Jesus had better cooperate because he, Pilate, holds the power to release or crucify him, Jesus answers by saying, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above.”
It’s an interesting, even audacious, and certainly courageous affirmation. For, indeed, Pilate holds the power of life and death in this situation, just as he has in so many others. No wonder Pilate is confident of his power; he has exercised it numerous times before.
And Jesus doesn’t challenge that. He doesn’t dispute, that is, that Pilate can have him released or executed. Rather, he asserts that even Pilate’s power over life and death come not from himself, but from a higher authority. And, in case Pilate’s wondering, that authority isn’t Rome. Jesus contends that all authority is given by God.
Can we imagine that for a moment? That all authority for the various offices of government – and, for that matter, the various offices in business and education and the family and all the other elements of human society – come from God?
Martin Luther could. Luther believed that any office that was instituted to help people flourish in our life together was instilled with its authority by God, the one who from the beginning made laws and set up authority in order that God’s beloved children and world might thrive.
So what would it be like, I wonder, if those who hold positions of authority believed that they were placed in these positions by God in order to care for God’s people and world? How would that shape their decisions, actions, and choices? How might that ennoble their sense of their duties, strengthen their resolve, and influence their actions? What would the world look like if they took seriously the responsibility to exercise the duties of their office not for personal gain or sense of accomplishment but rather because they believed God was using them for a purpose?
Now for another question. What if you believed the same? Because, you know what? You are those persons we’ve been talking about. You play numerous roles that make a difference in the lives of all kinds of people.
So let’s make this more person. What if you believed that the place you are at, the position you hold – whether paid or volunteer, whether at home or in an office, whether as friend, parent, teacher, or more – was God-ordained for a purpose: to make this world a better, safer, more trust-worthy place? How would that shape how you see yourself and your role? How would it influence how you spend your time and resources? What, in short, would the world be like if you claimed the authority and responsibility that comes from being an agent and partner with God?
I think it would be awesome.
Prayer: Dear God, let us exercise with fidelity and compassion the authority you have given us wherever we may be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
So David, please allow me to quote some of your text and then reply.
“So what would it be like, I wonder, if those who hold positions of authority believed that they were placed in these positions by God in order to care for God’s people and world?” and the rest of this paragraph… But I think the problem in our fallen and broken world is that the one in the position of power and authority needs to view ALL people as “God’s people.” And this rarely if ever happens. “We are the Holy and right people; and YOU are not.”
And then let me just add that the last “so let’s make this,” paragraph is very good. If there is going to be change, it has to start with me. I am the only person I can change… but what if??? Just what if????
thanks for all you do!
HI David,
In responding to your thoughts: “So what would it be like, I wonder, if those who hold positions of authority believed that they were placed in these positions by God in order to care for God’s people and world? How would that shape their decisions, actions, and choices? ” I worry that groups like ISIS/ISIL believe the same–they are placed here by God to “care for God’s people and world.” The term “care” can be such a relative term and have different meanings for different people. I also find it difficult to suggest that a God a love would “give power” to a government official to execute the likes of Jesus, and all the other people who act out of love, generosity, peace, and compassion in this world.